A public dispute has surfaced in the hip-hop community involving rap legend Snoop Dogg and the family of his late friend and collaborator Nate Dogg. Nathaniel “Nhale” Hale Jr., the son of the late singer, claimed that Snoop Dogg took control of his father’s master recordings without the approval of the family.
Hale Jr. made the remarks during a recent podcast interview, saying the issue has created a feud within his family. He said he felt compelled to share details after tensions rose at a public event with family members.
Nate Dogg’s Son Speaks Out
“There is something going on that’s a feud right now,” Hale Jr. said. “I’ll be the one to say it because it’s my family.”
He said his grandmother was left in charge of the master recordings when Nate Dogg became ill before his death in 2011. Hale Jr. said the grandmother showed Snoop where the masters were stored, and Snoop “left with the masters.”
“Supposedly, Snoop got the OK from my grandma to go to her house and get my Pop’s masters,” Hale Jr. said. “She pretty much showed him where the masters were… and he left with the masters.”
Hale Jr. added that he is “only repeating what my uncle is riding on” and acknowledged that there has not been clear communication since a recent disagreement at a show.
“What Snoop has always told me is he don’t got it, and he would never do something like that,” Hale Jr. said. “I at least want to know that he did get them and they are safe.”
Representatives for Snoop Dogg did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In prior discussions referenced by the son, Snoop reportedly maintained he never had the masters and denied taking them.
The dispute touches on complex issues of music rights and estate management that have followed the family since Nate Dogg’s death. In past years, Hale Jr. publicly opposed actions regarding the distribution and sale of his father’s music catalog.
Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel D. Hale, was a prominent West Coast singer known for his melodic hooks on many hip-hop classics. He died in 2011 at age 41 after suffering multiple strokes.
Outside the controversy, Snoop Dogg has recently received attention for roles beyond music, including honors related to the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he serves in a mentoring capacity.
Fans and industry observers have reacted to the allegations on social media, with some defending Snoop and others urging transparency from all parties.